The Best Litter
Litter makes life easier. Well, not really. But it definitely helps you avoid messes and stink in your home by providing a cleaner place for your pets to potty. For the most part, we use it for cats. However, it's also super simple to litter train small dogs, ferrets, and bunnies. You just have to find the right one for your pet.
What to Look For
While all kitty litters seem the same, there are some details that can make a huge difference, including how dusty they are, how well they control odors, and whether or not they clump for easy cleaning. For example, Fresh Step scented litter clumps up tightly to lock in odors and liquid, making clean-up a breeze. On the other hand, if you have long-haired cats that tend to get clumping litter trapped in their coats, you may find the natural wood pellet litter from Ökocat a better option. If you need more details on the benefits of different types of litter, you can continue reading below.
Fresh Step Scented Litter
Cat owners have preferred Fresh Step scented litter for years due to its reliable odor control. It uses ClumpLock technology to trap liquids and solids tightly inside, trapping stinky ammonia odors and making it easier to scoop out the mess. Meanwhile, the fabulous scents release every time your fluffy feline digs into it, keeping your home smelling fresher for up to ten days.
Pros:
- Clumps are easy to scoop, so you don’t have to change the whole box as frequently
- Smells lovely without overpowering your home
- Effectively holds in odors in multi-cat homes
- Works well with most automatic litter boxes
Cons:
- Releases lots of dust during litter changes
BoxiePro Deep Clean Cat Litter
BoxiePro’s Deep Clean cat litter features a unique blend of natural probiotics that help control odors by targeting the bacteria that cause them. And like many other clay cat litters, it clumps up quickly to trap messes for quick scooping. Low-tracking, low-dust granules also help keep your house cleaner for longer. In fact, it clumps so well and traps odors so quickly that you can use less over time, saving you money.
Pros:
- Scent and dust-free formula is safer for people with allergies
- Clumps on top, so you don’t have to scrape it off the box
- Works great in litter robots
- Keeps odors at bay for weeks
Cons:
- Tracks a bit more than usual if you have long-haired cats
Alpha Paw Genius Cat Litter
Stay in the know
Alpha Paw Genius Cat Litter can help you keep an eye on your furry family member’s health and well-being. It uses a revolutionary color-changing formula that monitors the PH levels in your cat’s urine to detect blood, bilirubin, and other abnormalities. That’s especially helpful if your cat is elderly or prone to urinary tract infections and other problems. And like other litter, it’s absorbent, controls odor, and helps you keep your house feeling fresher.
Pros:
- Lightweight compared to clay and other litter
- It doesn’t have strong scents or perfumes to irritate the senses
- More affordable than similar crystal litter brands
- Color-changing results can help you catch health issues sooner
Cons:
- Gets dusty if your cat likes to dig
Ökocat Natural Wood Pellet Litter
Plant-based versatility
These natural clumping mini-pellets from Ökocat are made of wood fiber that’s been de-dusted for a cleaner finish. It has no artificial fragrances, dyes, or synthetic chemicals, making it a safer choice for sensitive cats and those with allergies. And unlike other pelletized litter varieties, it clumps, making cleaning out the box easier. Best of all, it doesn’t get caught in your long-haired cat’s coat the same way clay-based litter often does.
Pros:
- Soft on paws for extra comfort
- Natural wood scent is pleasant without being too strong
- Fantastic choice for cats, small dogs, ferrets, and other small pets
- Pellets are lighter than heavy clays, making it easier to change the box
Cons:
- Need a larger scoop to remove clumps
Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum
Fabulously fresh
If you’ve tried all kinds of litter and still find the smell of your cat’s mess overwhelming, you may want to try Arm & Hammer Cloud Control Platinum. Its Clump & Seal technology locks in solid and liquid waste in a flash while sealing away the associated odors. Thi litter also has moisture-activated odor eliminators and baking soda to keep the nasty scents under control for up to two full weeks. As a bonus, Dander Shield technology and Cloud Control keep the dust under control when you change and clean the litter box.
Pros:
- Much less dust and tracking than most clay litter
- Light, fresh scent helps with odors
- Doesn’t get caught in fur or paws
- Very easy to scoop out, and you can top it up instead of changing the whole thing for a few weeks
Cons:
- Dense and heavy, making it harder to move around
Frequently Asked Questions
How much litter do I need?
Experts recommend having one litter box per cat plus one. So if you have one cat, you will need two boxes. For two cats, you’d need three. Each box should have two to three inches of litter, depending on whether or not your cat digs. It usually takes one full box or bag of litter to fill each box. From there, you can often scoop daily and top the existing litter off weekly. Change the whole thing as needed.
How can I minimize dust and tracking?
There are three ways to minimize dust and tracking. The first is to choose a litter that’s formulated to be dust-free or low-dust. Next, you can get a covered litter box or an automatic litter box with an air filter. Finally, as you add or sift the litter, try to do so gently and slowly to avoid disturbing the litter as much as possible.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.